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Carr to start for Boks against Italy?

Date published: November 17 2016

Stormers back-row Nizaam Carr could be a surprise inclusion in the Springbok starting XV for Saturday's Test against Italy in Forence.

The Boks played without a specialist openside flank in last weekend's defeat against a bulky England pack but are expected to pick one against the Azzurri who offer a different challenge to the Six Nations champions.

England also played without a specialist openside but because Italy are more competitive at the breakdowns, Carr, who has played three times for the Boks, could make his first start at Test level.

His inclusion in the two-time world champions' run-on side would mean that Willem Alberts will shift back to his preferred blindside flanker position and Teboho Mohoje should come in to the matchday squad as back row cover.

With Eben Etzebeth ruled out with concussion, Pieter-Steph du Toit – who started on the blindside flank against England – is set to return to the second row where he will pack down alongside Lood de Jager.

"Nizaam played really well when he came on last week," said Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee.

"He made an impact and is a good player with the ball in hand.

"Willem was impressive and made a lot of tackles and Lood and Pieter-Steph were right up there, which showed the pack's high work-rate."